This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Asia from the KU Center for East Asian Studies.

My fellow Americans…start packing. North Korea has eased travel restrictions for US tourists. Instead of only being allowed to visit during the Mass Games from August to October, US tourists are now invited to visit anytime, anytime at all. There are still restrictions, however, from what can be photographed to the interaction that is permissible with local people to what conversation can be had and with who. Americans’ every step will be watched and overseen. Why the welcome mat now where there was, if not a locked door then certainly a limited access one? In a word: W-O-N. Money. North Korea hopes to improve its cash flow with US tourist dollars while spin doctoring their image in the eyes of the West. So c’mon over. Have a heapin’ helpin’ of their hospitality. North Korean, that is. Take your shoes off. Really. It’s the Asian way.

From the Center for East Asian Studies, I’m Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.